Most studies of brain injury, such as stroke, have traditionally focused on preventing neurodegeneration and death of affected brain cells. Comparatively little has been done to maximize and optimize the plasticity processes involved in repair and recovery after brain injury.

Our laboratory is involved in a new initiative directed at leveraging brain plasticity in efforts to enhance repair and recovery following brain injury. In particular, we hope to use manipulations that enhance learning and memory to accelerate and optimize recovery after brain injury.

In the last 10 years, we and others have genetically engineered different strains of mice with dramatic enhancements in learning and memory. We are using information obtained from these studies in efforts to develop therapies to facilitate repair and recovery.